DE60223808T2 - Absorbent article having an element consisting of an absorbent thermoplastic composition - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention relates to absorbent articles, in particular Article for the ladies' protection, such as sanitary napkins and panty liners comprising a Absorbent element comprising a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition comprising a thermoplastic polymeric base material with particles of water-insoluble water-swellable Absorbent material dispersed therein, wherein the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition having a plurality of unconnected, spaced zones is configured.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Even though Absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins or panty liners, with regard to to various features, such as protection and comfort in use, have greatly improved in recent years, exists for consumers still the need for further improvements in these two Directions.

In the act exists for Consumer a real need for absorbent articles, in usually after feminine protection articles, with improved liquid handling properties, namely improved fluid distribution properties and a fluid capacity that is high enough to use without consumer fears of leaking or staining especially after prolonged wearing time, and the thin anyway and flexible, providing enhanced seating and comfort.

It It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide absorbent articles preferably those for women's protection that improved Distribution, absorption and retention of body fluid not only at first Contact with body fluid excretion, but also with additional subsequent body fluid excretion provide, which extends the wearing experience over a prolonged Period is made more pleasant and thus improves the comfort becomes. It is another object of the present invention to provide such to provide a feminine protection article which further comprises a continuous self-adjusting anatomical interaction of the article with the carrier while various activities (eg sports). It is an extra Object of the present invention, such a feminine protection article to provide further improved seating, comfort and a low level of perception offers.

It has now been found that all the above tasks by providing absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins and panty liners comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent element, that between the topsheet and the lower layer is positioned, wherein the element is a storage layer which comprises a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition comprises. This composition comprises a polymeric base material with particles of water-insoluble water-swellable Absorbent material dispersed therein, wherein the composition configured with a plurality of unconnected, spaced zones is.

The liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition has a total absorption capacity for a saline solution of at least 2 grams / gram. The liquid-absorbing Thermoplastic composition may be at least 15% by weight of the total weight make up of the absorbent element. Most preferred designs herein, these two features combine.

Advantageously, the absorbent articles of the present invention comprising a storage layer with the unconnected spaced apart zones of liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition exhibit faster and improved liquid distribution as well as improved fluid uptake and retention, not only at first contact with body fluid, but also especially when subsequently Body fluid excretion as compared to absorbent articles which differ from those of the present invention only insofar as they comprise a storage layer of the same liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition but which is otherwise configured (e.g., continuously almost the entire surface between the topsheet and the lower layer of the article) as opposed to discontinuous. The space between the unconnected, spaced zones of liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition (also referred to herein as transport areas) facilitates and promotes the flow of body fluid to the unconnected zones as well as the absorption of body fluid from the zones. In other words, as soon as body fluid reaches the absorption element, namely the storage layer, the rate of distribution of body fluid between the unconnected zones is higher than the absorption rate of the water-swellable Ab sorption material contained in the zones, thereby resulting in faster and improved distribution of liquid in the so-called transport areas of the article. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that this is due to the low absorption kinetics of the absorbent material trapped in the polymeric base material as compared to free absorbent material. When the absorption rate of absorbent material is outweighed by the rate of liquid distribution in the so-called transport areas, the liquids are absorbed by the absorbent material in the unconnected, spaced zones, reducing the amount of fluid present in the transport areas and even emptying the areas , Thus, with subsequent excretion of body fluid within the article, the transport regions are able to once again perform their function of liquid distribution, resulting in more effective utilization of the total amount of absorbent material present in the article. In fact, the gel blocking phenomenon is reduced, and thus, according to the present invention, better utilization of the absorbent capacity of the absorbent material is achieved. In fact, it has surprisingly been found that the fluid intake with subsequent body fluid excretion in the article of the present invention is equal to or even better than the first fluid excretion. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that after the first bodily fluid excretion, the absorbent element, namely the storage layer, is elevated over the so-called transport areas and its effective liquid absorption due to its outstanding liquid distribution properties towards increased total effective surface area used in the article. and retention properties of the storage zones wetted on an enlarged surface, that is, becomes more hydrophilic, resulting in an overall more effective fluid intake with subsequent liquid separation. In other words, the subsequent body fluid excretion is the trigger for the absorption capacity and the absorption rate, since the absorption material is much better available for absorbing liquid.

advantageously, The present invention allows versatility in positioning the plurality of unconnected, spaced zones of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition. In fact, the present allows Invention the arrangement of the position of the plurality of unconnected, spaced zones and thus the absorbent material where this is required in the absorbent element / article, and optimized so the relationship of total amount of absorbent material and liquid absorbency. The Total amount of particles of water-insoluble, water-swellable absorbent material, that is present in the spaced zones of the absorbent element is better utilized, resulting in improved absorption properties of the absorption element leads. As a result, the absorbent article having a thinner structure be configured to absorb a larger amount of body fluid and to a more flexible structure. The thinner and more flexible structure can be the carrier in turn provide improved seating and comfort.

advantageously, provides the absorption element, namely the storage layer, the article of the present invention outstanding protection in Absence of particle loss of water-swellable absorbent material both under dry as well as wet condition. The powder loss free Property of the thermoplastic composition used herein is beneficial for easier processability and handling in the factory as well as for safety criteria. Also, the swollen absorbent material is less wet susceptible for the Emerging from the spaced zones of the storage layer. Without to be bound by theory, it is believed that cohesion of polymeric base material is capable of determining the position of the absorbent materials even after swelling, the increased volume of the swollen material is recorded.

advantageously, Fulfills the use of the fluid-absorbing thermoplastic composition herein in addition to the absorption properties also the function of adhering adjacent / surrounding layers of the article. So the need for conventional Adhesive for adhering the storage layer to other adjacent ones Layers, for example lower layer and upper layer avoided become.

In an embodiment herein, wherein the backsheet of the article is a breathable backsheet, it has been found that the absorption element according to the invention, especially for those Embodiments, wherein the absorbent member as the storage layer is herein described liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition containing a plurality of unconnected, spaced zones, includes, in addition to the above mentioned advantages is particularly advantageous, its use also leads to improved air and water vapor permeability of the absorbent article both under dry and wet conditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Compositions comprising a thermoplastic component and a superabsorbent polymer are known in the art. For example WO99 / 57201 or WO02 / 07791 describe such compositions and their applications for bonding different layers of conventional disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins and medical bandages. EP-A-1 013 291 discloses a hot melt adhesive with superabsorbent polymers. The resulting thermoplastic hot melt adhesive material can be used for adhesively bonding substrates, such as polymeric films, as well as providing additional liquid absorbency for absorbent structures. This adhesive-coated material is particularly useful in building absorbent products such as menstrual items. Absorbent articles with superabsorbent material located in separate pockets with water sensitive and water insensitive containment structures are out U.S. Patent No. 5,433,715 known.

None these references from the prior art disclosed or suggests absorbent articles, namely Disposable hygiene products for Damenschutz, which include a storage-layer absorption element, the a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition as claimed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The The present invention comprises absorbent articles according to claim 1, usually for the protection of women, comprising a top class, an underclass and an absorbent element, that between the topsheet and the lower layer is positioned, wherein the element is a storage layer which comprises a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material with particles of water-insoluble water-swellable Absorbent material dispersed therein, wherein the Composition with a variety of unconnected, spaced Zones is configured. In one embodiment, the composition has a total absorption capacity for saline from at least 2 g / g.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 Figure 11 is a top plan view of the garment facing surface of a panty liner according to the present invention having an absorbent member having a storage layer of a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition as described herein in a striped pattern.

2 is a side view of the panty liner of 1 , made by line D-D '.

3 - 9 Figure 11 is a top plan view of the garment facing surface of alternative panty liners of the present invention wherein the storage layer is made of liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition adhered to the backsheet of the pads in various patterns of a plurality of unconnected, spaced zones.

10 shows the equipment for the Dunk absorption test

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Of the The term "absorbent article" is here in a uses a very broad sense and excludes any article one that is capable of liquids and / or excretions, in particular body fluids / body exudates absorb and / or absorb and / or contain and / or withhold. As used herein, "absorbent articles" include sanitary napkins, panty liners, Incontinence pads, interlabial inserts, nursing pads, sweat-absorbent Armpit pads, Collar inserts, Baby diapers, adult incontinence diapers and handling devices for excretory products of people without being limited to them.

Of the Term "disposable" is used herein to describe items that are not intended as a Article washed or otherwise restored or reused to become (that is, they are for it intended to be thrown away after a single use and preferably recycled in an environmentally sound manner, composted or otherwise disposed of).

As used herein, the term "wearer-side" surface refers to the surface of the component of the article that is generally oriented to point toward the skin and / or mucosal surface of the wearer during use of the article. As used herein, the term "clothing" refers to The surface on the opposite outer surface of the article, typically the surface facing directly to a wearer's clothing when worn in direct contact with clothing.

As As used herein, the term 'body fluids' refers to any fluid that differs from the human body is produced, of course occurring, including for example sweat, Urine, menstrual fluids, Vaginal secretions and the like, or accidentally, for example in the case of cuts in the skin.

In the following non-limiting embodiments The present invention will be the main elements of the absorbent article described.

Of the Inventive absorbent article includes three main elements: the upper layer, which during the Pointing to the user of the article and is preferably liquid pervious, to liquids, especially body fluids, to allow entry into the article; the lower class, the retention the liquid Provides so that absorbed fluid does not pass through the article This underclass conventionally represents the clothing side surface ready for the article; and the absorbent element that is between the Upper layer and the lower layer lies and the absorption capacity of the Article for picking up and retaining fluid passing through the upper layer has entered the article.

absorbing element

The Absorbent element, as used herein, is any element of the article, except the topsheet and the backsheet, the liquid handling properties, including, but not limited on distribution, transmission, Aspiration, absorption and / or retention properties. According to the invention that Absorbent element include the following components: (a) an optional primary Fluid distribution layer, preferably together with optional additional Fluid distribution layers; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) a optional fibrous layer underlying the storage layer.

One optional component of the absorbent element of the invention a primary one Fluid distribution layer. The primary fluid distribution layer usually lies below the top layer and is in fluid communication in order to. The upper class transmits the received liquid to this primary Distribution layer to the final Distribution in the storage layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness, but also along the length and Width direction of the absorbent article on. In addition to the primary fluid distribution layer can additional optional distribution layers may be present. The also optional secondary Distribution layer, for example, is usually under the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication therewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer It is liquid from the primary Rapidly absorb distribution layer and quickly attach it to the underneath to transfer lying storage layer. This helps reduce the fluid capacity of the underneath lying memory layer completely to use. The fluid distribution layers may be made of any material, that for such distribution layers is typical exist. Especially Fiber layers even get the capillaries between fibers when they are wet, and are suitable as distribution layers.

arranged in fluid communication with and usually under the topsheet, or optional primary or secondary Distribution layers, if present, is a fluid storage layer. The fluid storage layer is an essential element of the absorbent element herein, which is capable of ultimately absorbing and retaining body fluid.

The Fluid storage layer comprises, as an essential element, a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition which is a thermoplastic polymer Base material with particles of water-insoluble, water-swellable absorption material, which is dispersed therein comprises, wherein the composition with a plurality of unconnected, spaced zones, herein also storage zones called, is configured.

The liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition could be used to conventional fibrous storage layer comprising water-swellable absorbent material, Completely or partially replace. In a preferred embodiment In accordance with the present invention, the storage layer is comprised herein described liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition containing a variety of unconnected, spaced zones is configured.

With 'Variety' are meant two or more unconnected zones. By 'unconnected' is meant herein that individualized neighboring zones without physical connection and are separated from each other. It is understood, however, herein that the zones of the absorbent element, although separate pieces of material, are effective / functional together are. It is understood herein that the zones at least a part or even preferably all of the liquid absorption and retention capacity of the liquid Provide absorption element. The zones corresponding to the function of the Absorbing and retention the liquid, especially body fluid, serve, also referred to herein as 'storage zones' bounded by areas that lie between immediately adjacent unconnected, spaced storage zones are arranged and run, the areas are free from the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition and are referred to herein as the "liquid transport regions". The liquid transport areas help, liquid, especially body fluids, more effective and faster to distribute to the storage zones. In fact, if some storage zones get stronger are wetted as other storage zones, z. B. the memory zones on Entry point of fluid excretion Unlike more distant storage zones, the effect of Fluid transport areas continue, essentially unlimited flow paths through the more wetted zones to provide the less wetted zone of the storage layer.

To the For example, body fluids occur in typical absorbent articles predominantly at the target portion of the absorbent article in the absorbent element, namely the storage layer, on, and the storage zones in the destination section can wet and even saturated before the storage zones in sections of the absorption element / s Storage layer that is relatively further away from the target section are, wetted and saturated are. With the distinct, controlled maintenance of fluid transport areas However, the liquid can without further ado to the stronger around wet and swollen storage areas and flow past it to to reach the more remote, less wetted zones. As a result, can the whole absorption capacity the essentially entire storage layer used more effectively become. The invention can advantageously be a storage layer in which the swelling of the storage zones in the destination section of the article the liquid flow to the storage zones outside of the target section does not inhibit.

Also is advantageously the suction speed in the following liquid loading equal to or even faster than the first body fluid excretion, which to improved fluid intake and reduced occurrence of rewet. Without to be bound by any theory, it is believed that this most likely due to the fact that at first contact with liquid the hydrophilicity of the entire absorbent element, which is the storage layer and the optional fluid acquisition layer includes, amplifies is, whereby the liquid handling properties of the absorbent element in subsequent bodily fluid excretion improved become.

The Variety of unconnected, spaced zones could be of any size as well Any type of form must be configured and via predetermined or arbitrary attachment methods provided on a substrate in the article. The zones could any kind of geometric shape, regular or irregular shape is, accept, including, but not limited on lines / channels or stripes that are straight or curved, dots, circles, squares, Rectangles, triangles, diamonds, spirals and any combination thereof.

Preferably, each of the unconnected, spaced storage zones may be configured to extend substantially continuously over an area of not less than 0.001 cm ² , preferably from 0.01 to 50 cm ² , more preferably from 0.5 to 20 cm ² , even more preferably from 1 to 10 cm ^2, and most preferably from 2 to 5 cm ² , to provide storage zones with desired properties.

In addition, the entire system of storage zones may be positioned and arranged in desired patterns to provide a cluster of selected operative zones formed from the cooperating discrete unconnected, spaced storage zones. The zone array may, under one aspect of the present invention, provide a pattern size with a total surface area of not less than 1 cm ² , preferably from 1 to 200 cm ² , more preferably from 10 to 100 cm ^2, and most preferably from 20 to 75 cm ² , By 'pattern size' is meant herein the total surface covered by all unconnected, spaced zones without regard to the area in the spaces between the zones (also referred to herein as the transport areas).

In particular aspects of the invention, there is a separate separation distance between adjacent discrete / disconnected spaced zones. The separation distance between the zones is at least 0.1 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, and most preferably from 1.2 to 3 mm to provide the desired performance. If the separation distance between For example, if the storage space is too small, the liquid may not be able to move fast enough along and over the surfaces of the spaced zones of the storage layer. If the separation distance between individual storage zones is too large, the liquid may tend to be localized and distributed between the spaced zones without being effectively absorbed by the zones, thereby saturating the absorption capacity of the storage layer. Subsequent fluid loading may not be absorbed / retained as effectively as the storage layer is already saturated. It may be that the total absorptivity of the spaced zones is not utilized as effectively.

One preferred pattern is that the storage zones continuous or discontinuous, substantially parallel channels or Strip along the longitudinal axis Form (machine direction) of the article. Such parallel stripes conduct the liquid transport in the longitudinal direction the stripe. Such a pattern is particularly advantageous since it most helps optimal properties in terms of liquid distribution / suction properties and thus liquid handling properties overall, resulting in reduced rewet and improved flexibility for the article, especially along the transverse axis (cross-machine direction), leads.

A particularly preferred pattern is in 1 shown. 1 shows a panty liner having a topsheet and a backsheet that are coextensive with each other and are secured together along the outside edge of the panty liner by heat bonding C. This panty liner comprises a storage layer having storage zones A which are in the form of strips bounding the liquid transport regions B. The width of the strip, a ', may vary as desired. In 1 is the width, a 'about 2 mm, and the distance separating the two adjacent strips,' b ', is about 2 mm. 2 is a cross section of the panty liner of 1 , made by line D-D ', the insert being a top layer ( 1 ), an adhesive layer ( 2 ) for adhering the topsheet to the underlying fluid distribution layer ( 3 ), a storage layer ( 4 ), an underclass ( 5 ) and an adhesive layer ( 6 ) to adhere the lower layer ( 5 ) of the insert on a release liner ( 7 ). 3 to 9 illustrate further panty liners of the invention having an alternative pattern of the plurality of spaced zones.

The Use of such a liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition spaced apart with a plurality Zones in the storage layer of the absorbent member of the absorbent article is configured herein, provides outstanding liquid absorbency and Fluid handling properties ready. More specifically, it improves due to capillary action Achieved liquid distribution, and the occurrence of the gel-blocking effect is reduced, which to improved fluid intake and retention with reduced occurrence of pollution, especially at additional Body fluid excretion at extended Gestation period. this leads to to reduced rewet and improved dryness and thus improved overall comfort. All these benefits who achieved that, without the thinness and flexibility the entire absorbent article are affected, the properties even improved though.

advantageously, The thermoplastic composition also serves the purpose of attachment of adhesive for securing the layers of the absorbent article to each other, z. B. the lower layer to which the composition in is usually adhered to, the upper class or another layer, if present, such as an optional fluid distribution layer or an optional fiber layer.

In an embodiment herein, the storage layer includes the advantages of the present invention To implement invention, a liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition having a total saline absorption capacity of at least 2 grams per gram. Preferably, the total absorption capacity of the Composition for saline solution at least 5 g / g, more preferably at least 15 g / g and most preferably at least 20 g / g. The total absorption capacity of The composition used herein is the one mentioned below Test determined.

The Articles of the present invention have a total liquid absorbency that is large enough is to make small vaginal discharges outside the menstrual period carrier or even to absorb moderate to high menstrual flow. In a preferred embodiment Here, the absorption element is such that the total liquid absorption capacity of the whole article at least 1 gram, preferably at least 2 to 80 grams, more preferably from 4 to 40 grams and most preferred from 6 to 30 grams, if according to the following Dunk absorbance test described is measured.

In Typically, the storage layer provides more than 80% of the total absorbency of the Article ready, preferably more than 90% and most preferred from 90% to 100%.

In an embodiment herein the absorbent element comprises the liquid-absorbent described herein thermoplastic composition by weight percent based on the total weight of the absorbent element is at least 15% by weight, preferably from 20% to 100%, more preferably 30% by weight % By weight to 90% by weight, more preferably from 45% by weight to 85% by weight and most preferably from 55% to 80% by weight.

Preferably represents the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition at least 1 wt .-% of the total weight of the absorbent article, preferably from 5% to 90% by weight, more preferably from 10% to 70% by weight, more preferably from 15% to 50% and most preferably 20% by weight to 40% by weight.

The Storage layer comprises particles of water-insoluble, water-swellable absorption material, that is homogeneous or inhomogeneous in a thermoplastic polymer Base material dispersed as a suitable carrier is.

water-insoluble, but water swellable Absorbent materials or absorbent gelling materials commonly referred to as "hydrogels," "superabsorbents," "absorbent gelling materials." Absorbent gelling materials are those materials which, after contact with aqueous liquids, in particular aqueous Body fluids such liquids absorb and form hydrogels. These absorption gelling materials are common able to big Amounts of aqueous body fluids and are also able to absorb such liquids withhold moderate pressures. These absorbent gelling materials are usually in the form of separate, non-fibrous particles, even if superabsorbent in Fiber form are known.

Any commercially available particulate particulate superabsorbent material is suitable for the present invention. Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein most commonly comprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially or completely neutralized polymeric gelling material. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. Such polymer materials can be prepared from polymerizable, unsaturated, acidic monomers. Suitable unsaturated acidic monomers for use in the preparation of the polymeric absorbent gelling material used in this invention include those described in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 4,654,039 and reapplied as RE 32,649. Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. Acrylic acid itself is particularly preferred for the preparation of the polymeric gelling material. The polymeric component formed from the unsaturated, acidic monomers may be grafted onto other types of polymer units, such as starch or cellulose. Polyacrylate grafted starch materials of this type are particularly preferred. Preferred polymeric absorbent gelling materials that can be prepared from conventional types of monomers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile grafted starch, polyacrylate grafted starch, polyacrylates, maleic anhydride based copolymers and combinations thereof. Particularly preferred are the polyacrylates and polyacrylate grafted starch, but other particulate absorbent substances such as inorganic materials (MgSO ₄ , CaCl ₂ , silicas, zeolites, etc.) or absorbent polymers (ie, chitin derivatives such as chitosan) alone may preferably be used can be used mixed with the above superabsorbent polymers.

It is preferred that the particle size of the absorbent material used herein in the dry state is below 150 microns, more preferably below 50 microns, and most preferably from 40 to 10 microns. Small particle sizes are preferred herein because this results in optimum performance and processability for adhering the thermoplastic composition to the desired substrate. "Particle size" as used herein means the weighted average of the smallest dimension of the individual particles. Highly preferred water insoluble water swellable materials for use herein have a substantially angle-free form and preferably have a spherical shape Suitable commercially available absorbent gelling material is for example Aquakeep ^® 10SH. -NF, available from Sumitomo Seika, with an average particle size between 20 μm and 30 μm.

It is preferable that the water-insoluble, water-swellable absorbent material is contained in an amount of 1 wt% to 95 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 90 wt%, more preferably 30 wt% to 70 wt% % and most preferably from 40% to 60% by weight of the total liquid absorbance existing thermoplastic composition is present.

The liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition for use herein besides Further, as an essential element, the absorbent material polymeric base material, usually in a concentration of 5 wt% to 99 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 90 wt%, more preferably from 30% to 70%, most preferably 40% by weight to 60% by weight of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition.

each polymeric base material known to those skilled in the art and conventional in the construction of absorbent articles, such as feminine care absorbent articles (eg sanitary napkins, panty liners or incontinence articles) or Baby care absorbent articles (e.g., diapers) is used, can be used herein. The polymeric base materials for related Use includes thermoplastic polymers as an essential Element. Thermoplastic polymer or mixtures of polymers are typically in the range of about 5% to 99% by weight in amounts, preferably 10% to 90% by weight, more preferably 30% by weight up to 70% by weight, most preferably from 40% to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymeric base material available.

A variety of different thermoplastic polymers are suitable for use herein. Exemplary thermoplastic polymers include, but are not limited to, block copolymers, amorphous and crystalline polyolefins, including homogeneous and substantially linear ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers, copolymers of ethylene such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-methyl acrylate ( EMA) and ethylene-n-butyl acrylate (EnBa) and mixtures thereof. The group of block copolymers includes linear copolymers of the triblock ABA or diblock AB type or radial copolymer structures of the formula (AB) _x . The A blocks are nonelastic polymer blocks, typically polyvinylarene blocks, the B blocks are unsaturated conjugated dienes, such as poly (monoalkenyl) blocks, or hydrogenated versions thereof, x represents the number of polymeric arms, and x is an integer greater as or equal to one. Suitable polyvinyl arenes for block A include, but are not limited to, polystyrene, poly-alpha-methylstyrene, polyvinyltoluene, and combinations thereof. Suitable poly (monoalkenyl) blocks for block B include, but are not limited to, conjugated diene elastomers such as polybutadiene or polyisoprene, or hydrogenated elastomers such as ethylene-butylene or ethylene-propylene or polyisobutylene, or combinations thereof. Commercial examples of these types of block copolymers include Europrene ^™ Sol T from EniChem, Kraton ^™ elastomers from Shell Chemical Company, Vector ^™ elastomers from Dexco, Solprene ^™ from Enichem Elastomers, and Stereon ^™ from Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.

Amorphous polyolefins or amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAO) are homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers of C ₂ -C ₈ -alpha-olefins. These materials are typically polymerized by methods employing Ziegler-Natta catalysts, resulting in a relatively broad molecular weight distribution. Commercially available amorphous poly-alpha-olefins include the propylene-based homopolymers Rextac ^™ and REXFlex ^™ , ethylene-propylene copolymers and butene-propylene copolymers available from Rexene (Dallas, Tex., USA), as well as Vestoplast alpha olefm Copolymers, available from Huls (Piscataway, NJ, USA).

Metallocene polyolefins are homogeneous linear and substantially linear ethylene polymers prepared using single-site or metallocene catalysts. Homogeneous ethylene polymers are characterized as having a narrow molecular weight distribution and a uniform distribution of short chain branches. In the case of substantially linear ethylene polymers, such homogeneous ethylene polymers are further characterized as having a long chain branching. Substantially linear ethylene polymers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company as Affmity ^™ polyolefin plastomers made with Insite ^™ technology from Dow, while homogeneous linear ethylene polymers are available from Exxon Chemical Company under the trade name Exact ^™ . Homogeneous linear and substantially linear ethylene polymers having a relatively low density in the range of about 0.855 to about 0.885 and a relatively low melt index, for example, less than about 50 g / 10 min are most preferred, especially for producing elastomeric fibers, films and Adhesive compositions that swell when exposed to water.

The term 'interpolymer' is used herein to indicate a copolymer, terpolymer or higher rank polymer. That is, at least one other comonomer is polymerized with the ethylene to produce the copolymer. Ethylene intermixtures are those polymers having at least one comonomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl esters of a saturated carboxylic acid wherein the acid moiety has up to 4 carbon atoms, unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, a salt of the unsaturated acid, esters of the unsaturated acid derived from an alcohol having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

at uncompounded use is the weight ratio from ethylene to unsaturated Carboxylic acid comonomer preferably more than about 3: 1, more preferably about 2: 1. So the comonomer concentration is preferably greater than 30% by weight, more preferably greater than 33 wt .-%, and most preferably greater than 35 wt .-%, based on the total weight of the ethylene copolymer. The melt index The copolymer of ethylene may range from about 50 to approximately 2000, preferably approximately 100 to 1500, more preferably from about 200 to 1200 and most preferably about 400 to 1200 g / 10 min. When using a polymer that uncompounded has too low melt index, the strength tends to be of the polymer to swelling the particles of superabsorbent material to limit.

To suitable copolymers of ethylene / unsaturated carboxylic acid, salt and esters Ethylene / vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene / acrylic acid (EEA) and its ionomers; Ethylene / methacrylic acid and its ionomers; Ethylene / methyl acrylate (EMA); Ethylene / ethyl acrylate; Ethylene / n-butyl acrylate (EnBA); and various derivatives thereof, containing two or more comonomers.

Other suitable thermoplastic polymers which may be employed include polylactide, caprolactone polymers and poly (hydroxybutyrate / hydroxyvalerate), certain polyvinyl alcohols, biodegradable copolyesters such as Eastman copolyester 14766 (Eastman), linear saturated polyesters such as Dynapol or Dynacoll polymers from Huls, poly (ethylene oxide) polyetheramide and polyester ether block copolymers available from Atochem (Pebax ^™ ) and Hoechst Celanese (Rite-flex ^™ ), and polyamide polymers such as those available from Union Camp (Unirez ^™ ) or Huls (U.S. Vestamelt ^™ ) or EMS chemistry (Griltex ^™ ). Other suitable thermoplastic polymers are, for. Polyurethanes, polyether-amide block copolymers, polyethylene-acrylic acid and polyethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, polyethylene oxide and its copolymers, ethylene-acrylic ester and ethylene-methacrylic ester copolymers, polylactide and copolymers, polyamides, polyesters and copolyesters, polyesters Block copolymers, sulfonated polyesters, polyether-ester block copolymers, polyether-ester-amide block copolymers, ionomers, polyethylene-vinyl acetate having a vinyl acetate content of at least 28% by weight, polyvinyl alcohol and its copolymers, polyvinyl ethers and its copolymers, Poly-2-ethyloxazoline and derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone and its copolymers, thermoplastic cellulose derivatives, polycaprolactone and copolymers, polyglycolide, polyglycolic acid and copolymers, polylactic acid and copolymers, polyureas, polyethylene, polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

Particularly suitable preferred thermoplastic polymers are thermoplastic polyether-amide block copolymers (e.g., Pebax ^™ ), thermoplastic polyetheresteramide block copolymers, thermoplastic polyester block copolymers (e.g., Hytrel ^™ ), thermoplastic polyurethanes (eg Estane ^™ ) or mixtures thereof.

The polymeric base material for use herein also includes suitable compatible plasticizers. Plasticizers or mixtures thereof are preferably present in amounts ranging from about 5 wt% to 90 wt%, preferably 10 wt% to 80 wt%, more preferably 15 wt% to 70 wt%. % and most preferably from 30% to 65% by weight based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymeric base material. Suitable plasticizers for use herein generally include any conventional plasticizers that lower hardness and modulus, increase self-adhesiveness, and reduce melt and solution viscosity. It is preferred that the plasticizer be water-soluble or water-dispersible, or alternatively a waxy substance, such as polyethylene or polypropylene glycol, glycerol, glycerol and its esters, butylene glycol or sorbitol. Other plasticizers suitable for use herein are esters of sucrose; Phthalate plasticizers such as dioctyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate (e.g., Santicizer 160 ex Monsanto); Benzoate plasticizers such as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol dibenzoate (e.g., Benzoflez 352 from Velsicol), diethylene glycol / dipropylene glycol dibenzoate (e.g., Benzoflez 50 from Velsicol), and diethylene glycol dibenzoate wherein the mole fraction of hydroxyl groups which have been esterified in the Range from 0.5 to 0.95 (eg, Benzoflex 2-45 High Hydroxyl, also from Velsicol); Phosphite plasticizers, such as t-butyldiphenyl phosphate (eg Santicizer 154 from Monsanto); adipates; sebacates; epoxidized vegetable oils; polymerized vegetable oils; polyols; phthalates; liquid polyesters, such as Dynacol 720 from Huls; glycolates; p-toluenesulfonamide and derivatives; Glycols and polyglycols and their derivatives; sorbitan; Phosphate; Monocarboxylic fatty acids (C ₈ -C ₂₂ ) and their derivatives; liquid rosin derivatives with ring and ball hydrocarbon oils which have a low aromatics content and which are paraffinic or naphthenic in nature, and mixtures thereof. Plasticizer oils are preferably low volatility, transparent, and have as little color and odor as possible. An example of a preferred Plasticizer is Carbowax ^™ polyethylene glycol from Union Carbide. The use of plasticizers also contemplates the use of olefin oligomers, low molecular weight polymers, vegetable oils and their derivatives and similar softening liquids.

Particularly preferred plasticizers for use herein are hydrophilic plasticizers such as acids, esters, amides, alcohols, polyalcohols, or mixtures thereof, of which more preferred are citric acid esters, tartaric acid esters, glycerol and its esters, sorbitol, glycolates, and mixtures thereof, as disclosed in our application WO 99/64505 disclosed. The preferred hydrophilic plasticizers have a particularly highly polar character and have the further advantage that they form the moisture vapor permeability of the resulting layer consisting of the polymeric base material and thus the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition used herein which comprises the preferred plasticizer or mixture of plasticizers , as compared to a corresponding layer, which can not interfere with, and even reinforce, a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising the same constituents but without such plasticizer (s).

This particularly preferred hydrophilic plasticizers or this mixture of hydrophilic plasticizers Naturally also the viscosity the polymeric base material and thus the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition on desirable Adjust values to improve workability when adhering the composition to support on a substrate.

According to one another, even more preferred embodiment of the present invention Invention is to avoid migration of the plasticizer or the mixture of plasticizers from the matrix of thermoplastic polymeric base material, it is preferred that the molecular weight (MW) of the selected plasticizer or the selected one Softener greater than 300, preferably greater than 1000 and more preferably greater than 3000 is. Plasticizers with a MW of at least 6000 work especially good.

Actually Absorbent article by means of conventional hydrophobic hot melt adhesive joined together and contain this, wherein this with the absorbent material of the present invention, and especially interact with their hydrophilic plasticizer, which is a degradation of the adhesive properties of the conventional Hot melt adhesive causes. For example, a sanitary napkin or a Panty liner generally made of a liquid-permeable upper layer, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a fibrous absorbent core therebetween. As a general rule is the outside the underlayer with strips of conventional pressure-sensitive Hot melt adhesive for attaching the absorbent article to the underpants provided by the user. The inventors have surprisingly found that, if the conventional one Absorption core wholly or partly by an absorption element from the absorbent thermoplastic composition described herein, coated with, for example, the inner surface of the underlayer is replaced, and the hydrophilic plasticizer or the mixture from hydrophilic plasticizers of those with a molecular weight (MW) of more than 300, preferably more than 1000, more preferably more than 3000 selected There is no interference with the adhesive for attaching the absorbent article there, d. H. There is no reduction in the peel of the adhesive, while at the use of hydrophilic softeners of lower molecular weight a significant reduction in the peel of the adhesive occurs probably due to the migration of the plasticizer from the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition.

Most preferably, plasticizers having the preferred molecular weight, as discussed above, may be selected from the group consisting of glycerol esters, sucrose esters, sorbitol, epoxidized vegetable oils, polymerized vegetable oils, polyalcohols, polyols, liquid polyesters, p-toluenesulfonamide and derivatives, polyglycols and theirs Derivatives, monocarboxylic fatty acids (C ₈ -C ₂₂ ) and their derivatives and mixtures thereof, with polyglycols and their derivatives being particularly preferred (ie polyethylene glycols and polypropylene glycols).

The polymeric base material for use in the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition herein also includes tackifying resins. Sticky making resins are present in amounts ranging from 8% to 12% by weight. of the total weight of the thermoplastic polymeric base material.

As used herein, the term "tackifying resin" means any of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic compositions described below that are capable of providing adhesion to the polymeric base material. ASTM D1878-61T defines bond strength as "the property of a material that enables a bond of measurable strength immediately upon contact with another surface Tackifying resins include resins derived from renewable sources, such as rosin derivatives including wood rosin, tall oil and gum rosin, and rosin esters, natural and synthetic terpenes and derivatives thereof Aliphatic, aromatic or mixed aliphatic-aromatic petroleum based primers are within the scope of the invention Representative examples of suitable hydrocarbon resins include alpha-methylstyrene resins, branched and unbranched C ₅ resins, C ₉ resins and C ₁₀ resins, as well as styrenic and hydrogenated modifications thereof Tackifying resins are in the range of liquid at 37 ° C to have a ring and ball softening point of about 135 ° C. Suitable tackifying resins for use herein include natural and modified resins, glycerol and pentaerythritol esters of natural and modified resins, polyterpene resins, copolymers and terpolymers nat NATURAL terpenes; phenolic modified terpene resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; aliphatic petroleum resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; aromatic petroleum resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof; and aliphatic or aromatic petroleum resins and the hydrogenated derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. Commercial examples of these types of resins include Foral ^™ , hydrogenated rosin ester, Staybelite ^™ , hydrogenated modified rosin, Polypale ^™ , polymerized rosin, Permalyn ^™ , rosin ester, Pentalyn ^™ , rosin ester, Adtac ^™ , oil extended hydrocarbon resin, Piccopale ^™ , aromatic hydrocarbon , Piccotac ^™ , Hercotac ^™ , aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbon, Regalrez ^™ , cycloaliphatic resins, or Piccolyte ^™ from Hercules, Eselementz ^™ from Exxon Chemical, aliphatic hydrocarbon, and cycloaliphatic resins, Wingtack ^™ from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., synthetic polyterpene resins including aromatic modified versions, Arkon ^™ , partially and fully hydrogenated aromatic resins from Arakawa Chemicals, Zonatac ^™ , styrenated terpene resins, Zonarez ^™ , rosin esters, and Zonester ^™ , rosin esters from Arizona Chemical, and Nevtac ^™ , aromatic modified aliphatic hydrocarbons from Neville Chemical Company.

The polymeric base material for use in the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition herein optionally also includes antioxidant. Antioxidants are typically present in amounts ranging from about 0.1 wt% to 10 wt%, preferably 0.2 wt% to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.5 wt%. to 2 wt.%, most preferably from 0.75 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% of the total weight of the polymeric base material. Suitable antioxidants for use herein include any conventional antioxidant, and are preferably hindered phenols such as Ethanox 330 ^™ , 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris (3,5-di-tert butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl) benzene, commercially available from Ethyl Corporation. Other examples of suitable antioxidants are hindered phenolic compounds (e.g., Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076).

The polymeric base material for use in the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition herein optionally also includes surfactants. Suitable "surfactants" for use herein are additives that reduce the surface tension and / or the contact angle of the polymeric base material. Surfactants are typically present in amounts ranging from about 0 wt% to about 25 wt%, and preferably from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic polymeric base material. Suitable surfactants include nonionic, anionic and silicone surfactants. Exemplary nonionic surfactants are: ethoxylates of (i) C ₁ -C ₁₈ , preferably C ₈ -C _9, alkyl or dialkylphenols, such as those sold under the trade names Macol DNP-10, available from PPG Industries, Gurnee I11, a 10 mole ethoxylate of dinonylphenol, and Triton X-100, available from Union Carbide, a 10 mole ethoxylate of octylphenol; (ii) Alkyl C ₈ -C ₆₀ monoalcohols such as those sold under the trade names Surfonic L-12-8, an 8 mole ethoxylate of dodecanol available from Huntsman Chemical Co., and Unithox 480 38 mole crystalline ethoxylate surfactant, available from Petrolite Specialty Polymers Group, Tulsa, Okla .; and (iii) propylene oxide polymers, such as those sold under the tradename Pluronic, the ethylene oxide / propylene oxide block copolymers of Mn 200-3000, available from BASF; and benzoates obtained by partial condensation of benzoic acid with hydrophilic di- or monools of less than 1000 Mn, such as the product of condensing about three equivalents of benzoic acid with four equivalents of diethylene glycol, commercially available as XP 1010 from Velsicol Chemical. A preferred nonionic surfactant mixture is Atmer 685, available from ICI Surfactants (Wilmington, DE, USA). Suitable anionic surfactants are: C ₈ -C ₆₀ alkyl ethoxylate sulfonates, (CH ₃ - (CH ₂ ) _11-14 - (O-CH ₂ -CH ₂ ) ₃ -SO ₃ ^- Na ⁺ , such as, Avenel S30, available from PPG Industries; alkyl C ₈ -C ₆₀ sulfonates such as Rhodapon UB (C ₁₂ -SO ₃ ^- Na ⁺ ) available from Rhone Poulenc; and alkyl / aromatic sulfonates such as those sold under the tradename Calsoft Silicone surfactants are ethoxylates or propoxylates of polydimethylsiloxane having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 10,000, preferably 600 to 6,000, as sold under the trade names Silwet L-77, L-7605 and L-7500, available from OSi Specialties, Danbury, Conn. and product 193 of Dow Corning The preferred surfactants are those having lower molecular weights, since they have increased compatibility in the polymeric base material The maximum acceptable molecular weight depends on the type of surfactant and the other ingredients in the polymeric base material, and thus the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition.

Other optional constituents of the polymeric base material for the purpose Close use UV protectants, dyes, antibacterial agents, odor adsorbing Materials, fragrances, pharmaceutical agents and mixtures thereof one that is within the fluid-absorbing thermoplastic compositions in a concentration of up to to 20 wt .-% of the composition may be present.

• a) zu 5% bis 99% ein polymeres Grundmaterial, umfassend a') zu 10% bis 50% ein Blockcopolymer, a'') zu 8% bis 12% ein klebrig machendes Harz; a''') zu 10% bis 80% Weichmacher, a'''') zu 0% bis 2,0% Antioxidationsmittel; und
• b) von 1% bis 95% Teilchen von wasserunlöslichem wasserquellfähigen Absorptionsmaterial.

The liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition suitable for use herein is preferably a hot melt adhesive, that is, the polymeric base material comprises a hot melt adhesive capable of absorbing aqueous liquids. The liquid-absorbent thermoplastic compositions of the invention comprise (by weight):

• a) from 5% to 99% of a polymeric base material comprising a ') from 10% to 50% of a block copolymer, a'') from 8% to 12% of a tackifying resin; a ''') to 10% to 80% plasticizer, a'''') to 0% to 2.0% antioxidant; and
• b) from 1% to 95% of particles of water-insoluble, water-swellable absorbent material.

strongly preferred thermoplastic polymeric base materials for use in the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic described above Compositions are those having a water absorption capacity of at least more than 30%, preferably more than 40%, more preferably more than 60%, and most preferably more than 90% when used herein described water absorption test according to ASTM D 570-81 at a 200 micron thick Film is measured. The intrinsic absorption capacity of the polymeric base material / matrix allows more effective diffusion the body fluid within the matrix and consequently a better distribution of the Body fluid, the greater number From sorption material particles can reach, which in turn a better utilization of the absorbent material causes.

strongly preferred liquid-absorbent thermoplastic described above Compositions are those that show good integrity in the wet state and thus have a tensile strength in the wet state, the at least 20%, preferably at least 40% and more preferably 60% of the tensile strength the composition is in the dry state. The tensile strengths will be according to the description herein Tensile test assessed. It should be understood that through Selection of a thermoplastic base material in the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition herein, which has a higher value the water absorption has better the absorbent composition Fluid absorption - / - handling characteristics while, while it does not affect the tensile strength when wet. In fact, such an absorbent composition essentially remains intact and has sufficient tensile strength for their intended use, So with liquid absorption.

Actually offer the highly preferred liquid-absorbing improved thermoplastic compositions for use herein mechanical and absorbent properties. Without a theory It is believed that the intrinsic absorbance of the Matrix it allows that body fluid is picked up and diffused within the matrix, causing fluid contact with the absorbent material contained in the matrix, and whose swelling is made possible without the need for a matrix of low cohesive strength, but with a matrix that remains essentially intact and sufficient Firmness in liquid absorption having.

The Absorbents in particulate form or the mixture thereof mixed with the polymeric base material in any known manner, around the fluid-absorbing to provide thermoplastic composition for use herein. For example, by first melting the thermoplastic polymer Base material and subsequent Add and mix in the required amount of absorbent material particles. It can suitable adhesive processing devices are used, like a melt mixer or an extruder. Preferably, the liquid absorbent formulated thermoplastic compositions for use herein, that they have such hot melt properties show that they can be applied by any known method of hot melt adhesives can be applied.

At least at the coating temperature, since the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition comprises thermoplastic polymeric base materials, it can have adhesive properties on one Carrier substrate to form a composite structure, so that no additional adhesive is required to achieve a permanent attachment between the absorbent element, which is partially or preferably completely provided by the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition, and the substrate. Although hot melt processes are preferred, however, any other known process for processing thermoplastic compositions can be used to process the absorbent compositions in any known shape / pattern. In addition, any known method of spraying, printing, puncturing, coating or foaming thermoplastic compositions can be used as well as extrusion, lamination methods.

Especially suitable methods for applying the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition on a substrate are those by gravure or Slot coating. Both methods are for discontinuous application the thermoplastic composition described herein on a substrate particularly suitable. Gravure unit or slot coating machine wear the thermoplastic composition in the desired Pattern on a substrate.

There the absorbent composition is thermoplastic leaves them Hot melt application through, in turn, the versatility of their application in different Shape the various individual parts of the whole surface of the Layered substrate to which it is applied to the so-called To provide storage zones, usually the upper class or the underlayer or any intermediate layer directly to the Composition adjoins and between one of the outer surfaces of the article, d. H. the upper layer and / or the lower layer is arranged, covered, increase. The liquid-absorbing Composition can be provided so that it has the article about it entire surface discontinuously covered, or only a portion thereof, for example the midsection of an article where, when used, the body fluid is excreted, covered. The total area of a surface, on the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition is applied (preferably the underlayer or any intermediate layers, such as fluid distribution layer, if present or underlying fiber layer, if any), defines the actual absorbing surface the composition in the absorbent article.

In an embodiment makes up the entirety of the multitude of unconnected, spaced zones as a minimum 8% of the total surface area of the absorbent article, with the flat surface facing away from the totality of the zones is taken, based on the total level surface area of the entire article is considered. Preferably, the whole takes the plurality of unconnected, spaced zones have a surface area from 15% to 90%, more preferably from 20% to 50%, and on most preferably from 25% to 40% of the total surface area of the absorbent article.

One optional ingredient for inclusion in the absorbent element of the invention is a fiber layer adjacent to the storage layer and in usually below this. If present, this layer represents a substrate on which the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition during to accumulate the production of the absorbent element. If available, Such a layer usually provides additional liquid handling capabilities ready, such as fast suction of liquid along the length of the Absorbent article. In general, such a layer could exist be if high capacity required becomes, as in the case of sanitary napkins for menstrual use. A such fiber layer in addition to the transport areas is able to additional cavity volume Handling and saving temporary body fluids before generating these of the plurality of spaced storage zones be absorbed. In the case of deposits for daily use, where the requirements in total capacity and liquid handling properties less demanding, such a layer is usually absent in the absorbent element, and the thermoplastic Composition is preferably applied directly to the underlayer. Any material known to those skilled in the art could be used herein for the fibrous layer be, including, but not limited on fibrous nonwoven or woven material of natural or synthetic Fibers, such as polyolefins or cellulose.

top layer

The Upper layer is pliable, soft-feeling and not for the skin of the wearer irritant. The upper class can also be in one or two directions be elastically extensible. Further, the topsheet is preferable liquid permeable, what it's body fluids allowed to penetrate easily through its thickness.

A suitable topsheet can be made from a wide variety of materials such as woven and non-woven materials; polymeric materials such as apertured thermoplastic films, art perforated films and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; crosslinked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films and thermoplastic gauze are made. Suitable fabric and nonwoven materials may be natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Suitable nonwoven materials / layers include fibrous nonwoven materials / layers made by a carding process or a melt spinning process or meltblown process wherein molten polymer material is extruded through a die refined so that the extruded polymer becomes fibers whose diameter is reduced is extended, and then placed on a molding surface. Methods of forming such nonwoven materials / layers are known to those skilled in the art. Polymeric materials suitable for use in forming such fibrous nonwoven materials / layers include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, nylons, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene methacrylate, copolymers of the foregoing materials, block copolymers such as styrene and butadiene ABA block copolymers, and like.

Apertured formed films are particularly preferred for the topsheet because they are pervious to body exudates and yet non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to flow back through them and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film which is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing body dirt and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable shaped films are in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135 ; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246 ; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314 ; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045 ; and U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394 described. Particularly preferred topsheets of microporous apertured formed film are shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,135,755 U.S. Patent No. 4,609,518 and U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643 disclosed. A preferred topsheet for the present invention is the formed apertured film described in one or more of the foregoing patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA as "DRI-WEAVE" In a preferred embodiment, surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 794,745 , filed on Nov. 19, 1991. Alternatively, the bodyside surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as US 4,950,254 referred to above.

In yet another embodiment herein, the topsheet is used together with an outer layer facing the support surface. Such an outer layer is intermittently disposed on the topsheet such that at least the area where liquid is expected to be deposited on the absorbent article is free of the outer layer. In fact, it is particularly preferred that the topsheet be a so-called hybrid topsheet in which the wearer-contacting surface is longitudinally provided with an apertured polymeric film or apertured nonwoven fabric, while an area other than the web Center is provided with a nonwoven fabric, such as. B. the high-bulk nonwoven or other nonwoven fabric that is particularly kind to the skin. Such hybrid topsheets are in EPA 523 683 . EP-A-523 719 . EP-A-612 233 , or EP-A-766 953 been revealed.

underclass

The Underlayer prevents the absorbed in the absorbent element and contained fluids the articles that touch the absorbent article, such as pants, pajamas and underwear, wet. The backsheet is preferably impermeable to liquids, such as body fluids, and is preferably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials can also be used. The lower layer has to be yielding and fits easily to the general form and general contours of the human body at. The lower layer can also Have properties that elastic strain in one or allow two directions.

The Backsheet may be a woven or nonwoven material, polymeric films, such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene, or Composite materials, such as a film-coated nonwoven material include.

Exemplary polyethylene films are made by Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-0401, and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably embossed and / or matted to be a garment-like one res appearance to create.

Usually the lower layer extends over the entire absorption element and can in the preferred side flaps, Side wrapping elements or wings and form part or all of them, if any Elements are present.

In addition to avoiding liquid transport through the backsheet, the backsheet is preferably breathable. Thus, the backsheet also allows for the transmission of water vapor and preferably both water vapor and air therethrough, thus allowing the reduction of moist and occlusive environment on the skin which is brought into contact with the article. Advantageously, the articles of the present invention provided with a breathable backsheet exhibit outstanding dry feel in both dry and wet conditions and thus further improved comfort. In fact, the absorbent member of the present invention comprising the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition configured in unconnected, spaced zones as described herein greatly increases both the air and water vapor permeability of the article during both dry and wet conditions. For example, under wet conditions, recovery of more than 80% of the original air permeability has been observed with articles of the invention (e.g., the article published in U.S. Pat 1 and 2 as an example, the recovery was about 90%). In fact, it is believed that after the fluid excretion, the transport regions transfer the fluid to the storage zones, thereby preserving void space, resulting in the reduction of the occlusion effect normally associated with conventional core materials / design.

To the related Use suitable breathable backsheets include all in known in the art breathable backsheets. For this purpose Useful are single-layer breathable backsheets, the breathable and impermeable for liquids are, or two-layer sublayers, in combination both breathability as well as liquid impermeability provide.

Suitable monolayer breathable backsheets for use herein include those described, for example, in U.S. Pat GB A 2184 389 . GB A 2184 390 . GB A 2184 391 . US 4591 523 . US 3,989,867 . US 3,156,242 and WO 97/24097 are described.

Suitable apertured formed films include foils having discrete openings that extend beyond the horizontal plane of the garment facing surface of the layer to the core and thereby form protrusions. The protuberances have an opening at their ends. Preferably, the projections are funnel-shaped, similar to those in FIG US 3,929,135 are described. Preferably, the apertured, preformed films are unidirectional such that they have at least substantially, if not completely, unidirectional liquid transport to the absorbent element. Suitable macroscopically expanded films for use herein include films such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat US 637 819 . US 4,591,523 . U.S. 4,637,819 and US 4,591,523 are described.

Suitable monolithic films include Hytrel ^™ , available from DuPont Corporation, USA, and other such materials as in Index 93 Congress, Session 7A, "Adding value to Nonwovens," J. Cardinal and Y Trouilhet, DuPont de Nemours International SA, Switzerland.

Suitable breathable backsheets for use herein are made from a first and a second layer. The first layer is located between the garment-facing surface of the absorbent element and the wearer-side surface of the second layer / outer layer. It is oriented to delay or prevent the transfer of liquid from the absorption element to the outside while allowing free air flow and water vapor therethrough. The second layer provides water vapor and air permeability to aid the breathability of the article. In addition to water vapor permeability, air permeability is desirable to further enhance the comfort advantage of the article's breathability. Such a first layer provides air and water vapor permeability by being apertured. Preferably, this layer is according to the above US-A-5,591,510 or PCT WO 97/03818 . WO 97/03795 produced.

In particular, this layer comprises a polymer film with capillaries. The use of a monolithic polymer film as the material for the first layer provides water vapor permeability even under stress conditions. While the openings air permeability in "leak-proof" Situatio NEN, but close the capillaries under stress conditions, the monolithic material retains its water vapor permeability in such a case. Breathable monolithic sheet materials suitable for use herein are those having high vapor exchange.

In one embodiment herein, the backsheet is made of a first layer of elastic, three-dimensional web consisting of a liquid-impermeable polymer film having openings forming capillaries that are not perpendicular to the plane of the film but at an angle of less than 90 ° relative to the plane of the film, and a second breathable layer (outer layer) of a porous web comprising a nonwoven composite web of a meltblown nonwoven synthetic fiber layer having a basis weight of less than 28, preferably less than 13 g / m ² and a melt spun nonwoven layer of synthetic fibers.

The Undercoat usually forms the clothing-side surface, on the adhesive is applied for attachment to the underpants. Adhesives for attachment to the panties can be any glue or glue include in the art for such purposes is used, with pressure-sensitive adhesives being preferred.

According to the present Invention, the absorbent article as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, Incontinence product for Adults, nursing pad, baby diaper and the like find application. The present invention finds particular acceptance as sanitary napkins and panty liners. A new product design that is a subform of a Sanitary napkin or panty liner form, namely sanitary sanitary napkins or panty liners, so-called thong insoles, are also included herein.

The absorbent articles of the invention may optionally comprise any of the components typical of the intended product use. For example, absorbent articles may include components such as leaflets to improve their positioning and their protective periphery when soiled, particularly at the back of the article. Such embodiments are for example in EP 130 848 or EP 134,086 shown, thong-inlays with wings are in US Design 394,503 . UK Design 2.076,491 and 2,087,071 as well as the international commercial pattern DM 045544 , filed in accordance with the Hague Agreement, registered on 21 October 1998.

Regardless of whether the wings especially for Thong deposits or for conventional Absorbent articles are designed, they can be provided as separate pieces and at the Thong-Einlage or at conventional Slipeiragen or sanitary napkins be attached or you can one piece be formed with the materials of the absorbent article, for. B. as one piece renewal the upper class, the lower class or a combination thereof. If the wings are attached, can she in an outward pointing basic position or already in the direction of its position of use, d. H. to the longitudinal axis inclined, fastened.

The Thickness of the absorbent article of the present invention particularly for panty liners is less than 3 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and most preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.3 mm according to the following described thickness measurement.

Even though special embodiments of the present invention have been described it for the skilled person will appreciate that various other changes and modifications can be made without sacrificing the spirit and scope to leave the invention. Therefore, in the appended claims, all such changes and modifications which are within the scope of the invention be.

Test method for the total absorption capacity of liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition

The total liquid absorption capacity of liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition is determined as follows:

Principle:

The Sample is weighed and for 10 minutes into the test solution dipped and then weighed to determine the total absorbance.

Preparation of saline solution:

(9 ± 0.1) g NaCl (saline, 0.9%) is added to deionized water, giving this a total mass of 1000 g ± 0.1 g, and until the resolution touched.

Device and materials:

• 1. Bag (100 x 50 mm) of heat-sealable polyester mesh folded and heat-sealed to two (longer) of the three open sides so that the inner edges of the welds are approximately 3 to 5 mm from the edge of the bag. Properties of the polyester mesh: mass per unit area: 48 g / m ² , thickness: 60 μm, hole size: 18 μm, open area: 13%, yarn diameter: 31 μm, number of yarns: 200 / cm. Proposed supplier: Saatitech (www.saati.com); Reference material: PES 18/13
• 2. heat-sealing device, which is able to bond polyester.
• 3. Analytical balance, which is capable of a mass of 100 g with an accuracy of ± 0,001 g to measure.
• 4. weighing silicone paper.
• 5. Timepiece.
• 6. Beaker, the 1 liter solution may contain.
• 7. spatula.
• 8. Tweezers.

sample preparation

outgoing from an absorbent article may be the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition isolated by known means to be tested to become. Typically, in an absorbent article, the topsheet becomes removed from the backsheet, and both are made of any additional layers, if available, separate. The liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition is done with a spatula from its substrate layer scraped. The recovered Thermoplastic composition is used to sample as below mentioned to prepare by known means. For example, the thermoplastic Melted and with a suitable solvent solved become. The recovered Composition must be kept in a closed container, contamination by avoiding dust and equilibration to the temperature to carry out the Allow testing. The test conditions are 23 ° C ± 2 ° C and 50 ± 10% relative Humidity.

method

• 1. Weigh out 0.200 g ± 0.005 g of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition and records the mass (Wd).
• 2. Prepare a sufficient number of bags (i.e. 6) to perform the required repetitions.
• 3. Give each individual test amount of 0.200 g ± 0.005 g of the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition in every single bag and closes the open side of the bag.
• 4. Prepare two blank test bags (ie without the Composition) and leads the test with the bags containing the thermoplastic composition included, by.
• 5. You fill the beaker with 0.9% saline.
• 6. Immerse the bags in the saline solution. One removes trapped ones Air bubbles due to movement of the bag.
• 7. After 10 minutes (± 10 Seconds), remove the bags from the saline solution and hang them vertically to drain free up until no liquid more of them are dripping.
• 8. Weigh every single bag, with the masses of the two Blank tests (Wb) 1 and 2 and the masses of the bags that absorb the Composition included, (Ww) 1, 2, ... n, recorded.

Calculation and results

Calculate the average of the two wet blank bags after absorption Wb = (Wb1 + Wb2) / 2

Wd

= Masse der trockenen Testmenge in g.

Wb

= Durchschnitt der Masse von 2 Blindversuchsbeuteln (nach der Absorption) in g.

Ww

= Masse der nassen Beutel, die die flüssigkeitsabsorbierende thermoplastische Zusammensetzung enthalten, in g.

For each sample you calculate: Abs (g / g) = (Ww-Wb-Wd) / Wd wherein:

Wd

= Mass of the dry test quantity in g.

wb

= Average of the mass of 2 dummy bags (after absorption) in g.

ww

= Mass of the wet pouches containing the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition in g.

Dunk absorption capacity test for absorbent articles

purpose

This method measures the weight of a test fluid (synthetic urine B) that is retained in an absorbent article after it has been immersed in the test fluid for a period of time and after a static pressure of 17 g / cm ^{2 has been} applied to the article for 2 minutes , contraption object supplier Magnetic stirrer with a top plate of 100 mm IKAMAG or diameter equivalent to Magnetic stir bar 64 mm IKAMAG or equivalent to Beaker, 2000 ml capacity Hirshman or equivalent to Digital scale accuracy ± 0.01 g Mettler or equivalent to Timepiece (stopwatch), accuracy 0.5s Mali or equivalent to Plexiglass plate and basin (at least 2 cm deep), Fisher or at least 25 × 25 cm equivalent to Plexiglas bevel with a 15 ° angle to the Hori suitable horizontal, at least 8 cm wide source Weight of 1320 (± 15) g with bases suitable dimensions of 15.5 × 5 cm (corresponds source 17 g / cm ² ) with a foam base plate, the covered with a plastic film Weight of 2265 g (± 15 g) with bases suitable dimensions of 20.5 cm × 6.5 cm with a source Foam base plate covered with a plastic film is covered (for absorbent articles with large Dimensions, z. Long wings) Tripod with an extendable arm to the Ge suitable weight on the slope and attach it to the rut source to prevent it

Preparation of the solution of synthetic urine B

Place a 2000 ml beaker on the balance. Weigh 800 g of demineralized water into the beaker. Carefully add exact quantities of the following materials to the beaker: 1) Urea (NH ₂ CONH ₂ ) 20.00 grams 2) Sodium chloride (NaCl) 9.00 grams 3) Magnesium sulfate (MgSO ₄ 7H ₂ O) 1.10 grams 4) Calcium chloride (CaCl ₂ 2H ₂ O) 0.79 grams

you fills mineralized Water up to 1000 ml and mix the chemicals with one Magnetic stirring. The resulting solution should be covered with Parafilm for evaporation or contamination to avoid.

test method

• – Der Absorptionsartikel sollte in allen Schritten des Tests flach gehalten werden, ohne Biegung oder Verdrehung
• – Der Artikel sollte vorsichtig oben gehalten werden, während die Last angelegt wird, um ihn am Rutschen zu hindern. Das Anlegen der Last sollte vorsichtig und allmählich erfolgen, ausgehend von der Oberseite der Probe
• – Es ist sicherzustellen, dass die Schräge und die Grundfläche des Gewichts trocken sind, bevor der Artikel positioniert wird. Es ist auch sicherzustellen, dass die Waagschale trocken ist, bevor der nasse Absorptionsartikel gewogen wird.
• – Man wiegt den Absorptionsartikel (einschließlich Abziehpapier) vorab mit einer Digitalwaage und zeichnet das 'anfängliche Trockengewicht' mit einer Genauigkeit von ±0,01 g auf.
• – Man füllt das Becken teilweise mit der Lösung von syn. Urin B und stellt sicher, dass die Tiefe der Lösung in dem Becken während des gesamten Tests über 5 mm gehalten wird.
• – Man legt den Absorptionsartikel mit der Oberseite nach unten für 25 Minuten in das Becken
• – Man nimmt den Absorptionsartikel vorsichtig aus dem Becken, indem man ihn an seinem Rand hält. Man lässt ihn in einer vertikalen Position für 2 Sekunden abtropfen, dann legt man ihn mit der Oberseite nach unten auf die Schräge mit einem Winkel von 15°.
• – Man setzt das Gewicht (10) für zwei Minuten (±5 s) vorsichtig auf den Artikel (11) und verwendet den Arm (12) des Stativs, um das Gewicht zu fixieren (10).
• – Man entfernt das Gewicht nach den 2 Minuten und hält den Artikel am Rand und lässt ihn in einer vertikalen Position für 2 Sekunden abtropfen, dann wiegt man ihn erneut und zeichnet das 'Nassgewicht' mit einer Genauigkeit von ±0,01 g auf.

The following precautions should be followed during the test to ensure consistent accuracy of the results:

• - The absorbent article should be kept flat in all steps of the test, without bending or twisting
• - The article should be held gently while the load is being applied to prevent it from slipping. The application of the load should be careful and gradual, starting from the top of the sample
• - Make sure that the bevel and the base of the weight are dry before positioning the item. It is also necessary to ensure that the balance pan is dry before weighing the wet absorbent article.
• Weigh the absorbent article (including release paper) in advance with a digital scale and record the 'initial dry weight' with an accuracy of ± 0.01 g.
• - It is partly filled with the solution of syn. Urine B and ensure that the depth of the solution in the basin is kept above 5 mm throughout the test.
• - Place the absorbent article upside down for 25 minutes in the tank
• - Carefully remove the absorbent article from the pelvis by holding it at its edge. Allow to drain in a vertical position for 2 seconds, then place it face down on the slope at an angle of 15 °.
• - You set the weight ( 10 ) for two minutes (± 5 s) carefully on the article ( 11 ) and uses the arm ( 12 ) of the tripod to fix the weight ( 10 ).
• - Remove the weight after the 2 minutes and keep the article at the edge and let it drip off in a vertical position for 2 seconds, then weigh it again and record the 'wet weight' with an accuracy of ± 0.01 g.

Calculation of capacity (Dunk) Dunk (g) = wet weight (g) - initial dry weight (g)

The Absorbency, that for given a given absorbent article is the average of the Dunk value measured at least 6 Absorbent article becomes.

The absorbency may be reported in grams per cm ^{2 of} the tested absorbent article as well as in grams per gram of the tested absorbent article, if desired.

thickness measurement

The Thickness should always be measured at the thickest possible location usually in the middle of the absorbent article. For practical reasons will the measurement on the absorbent article including an existing one Protective cover performed. The product should be at 50% humidity and 23 ° C for two hours within its range normal packaging conditioned and not more than five minutes be taken before the measurement.

The thickness is measured with a micrometer thickness gauge ranging from 0 to 30 mm and a tolerance of plus / minus 0.5 mm. The thickness gauge must not be tensioned by spring and should have a foot that moves down under gravity. The micrometer foot has a diameter of 40 mm and is loaded with a weight of 80 grams. The reading is taken between 5 and 10 seconds after the foot has been lowered to contact the absorbent article. Measurements should be taken often enough to allow statistical analysis to determine the average thickness within a sigma of plus / minus 0.1 mm. A detailed description of the thickness measurement is also available in U.S. Patent No. 5,009,653 to find.

Water absorption test

The Determination of water absorption of thermoplastic polymers Base material used in a preferred embodiment herein will, according to the standard test procedure ASTM D 570-81 with the following conditions. The Measurement of water absorption for thermoplastic polymeric base material is applied to a sample of Material in the form of a film of 76.2 mm long by 25.4 mm wide 0.2 mm thick. For all Materials will be a 24-hour Immersion in distilled water at 23 ° C, and the percentage of absorbed water according to the standard ASTM D 570-81 is given.

tensile

Of the Test measures the mechanical resistance of a material sample as a tensile strength at Bruck according to the standard test procedure ASTM D 412-92 under the following conditions. The test is with Samples performed, those from the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition are made and a length of 130 mm, a width of 25.4 mm and a thickness of 2 mm ha ben and are continuous, obtained by any suitable method, for example, by pouring the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic Composition in molten state at a suitable temperature, z. B. 180 ° C for the Compositions of Examples 2 or 3, in a metal pan, which is designed with release paper, to a continuous layer with a thickness of 2 mm and then after cooling the samples of the desired Dimensions from this layer.

Of the Test is carried out with samples of the same composition both in dry as well as in wet condition. To prepare the samples when wet, a sample is placed in a container of saline solution (e.g. B. 0.9% solution of NaCl in distilled water) at a temperature of 23 ± 1 ° C held is laid and stays for ten minutes completely immersed. At the end of ten minutes, the sample gets out of the water taken with any surface water with a dry Tuck is wiped, and wet tensile strength as in the standard test procedure provided tested.

sample preparation

If is based on an absorbent article, the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition comprising the matrix of thermoplastic polymeric base material alternating with the particles dispersed therein water-insoluble water-swellable Absorbent material includes, for example, a disposable absorbent article, wherein a substrate is coated with the thermoplastic composition is, the thermoplastic composition can by known means isolated to be tested. Usually in one Disposable absorbent article removes the topsheet from the backsheet, and both will come from any additional layers, if any, separated. The liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition is made with a spatula of his Scratched substrate layer. The recovered thermoplastic Composition is used to sample as mentioned above to prepare known means. For example, the thermoplastic Melted and with a suitable solvent solved become. Absorbent material particles may also be of the thermoplastic type Composition are separated to the thermoplastic polymer Base material, as known in the art, to isolate for example, suitable sieving or filtering from the molten one Condition or preferably from the solution.

Examples for the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition according to the present invention are as follows:

example 1

A liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition representative of the present invention is the following mixture which forms a hot-melt adhesive: 18% Estane T5410 from Noveon 17% PEG E400 from Dow Chemical 1% Irganox B 225 from Ciba Specialty Chemicals 19% CR00 (former PM17) from Savare 45% Aqua Keep 10 SH NF ^® from Sumitomo Seika-.

Estane T5410 is a hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane polymer, PEG E 400 is a polyethylene glycol (plasticizer, MW about 400), Irganox B 225 is an antioxidant and CR 00 is commercially available available Melt adhesive.

Example 2

A thermoplastic polyether-amide block copolymer, available from Atofina (France) under the tradename Pebax MV 3000, is treated with polyethylene glycol PEG 400 (plasticizer, MW about 400), sodium dodecylsulfate, both available from Aldrich Co., and Irganox B 225 (antioxidant), available from Ciba-Geigy, compounded. The weight percent formulation has the following composition and represents the thermoplastic polymeric base material: 28.6% Pebax MV 3000 68.6% PEG 400 1.4% SDS 1.4% Irganox B 225

The thermoplastic polymer base material has a water absorption of 43%, the value being according to the herein described water absorption test is measured. The thermoplastic Base material is formed into a film that is in the water absorption test is used by melt-coating the thermoplastic base material at a temperature of 180 ° C on a release paper to make a film of the prescribed thickness of 200 μm to obtain. After cooling at room temperature, the film is separated from the release paper.

A superabsorbent material in particulate form sold under the trade name Aqua Keep 10SH-NF by Sumitomo Seika Chemical (Japan) (average particle size between 20 and 30 μm and in the form of round beads) is used in an amount corresponding to 42.9% by weight. % of the above thermoplastic polymer base material is added to the thermoplastic polymer base material while being kept at a temperature of 180 ° C and uniformly dispersed. This example of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition has by weight the following final composition: 20% Pebax MV 3000 48% PEG 400 30% Aqua Keep 10SH-NF 1% SDS 1% Irganox B 225

Example 3

A thermoplastic polyetherester block copolymer available from Du Pont (USA) under the trade name Hytrel 8171 is blended with polyethylene glycol PEG 400 (plasticizer, MW about 400), polyethylene glycol PEG 1500 (plasticizer, MW about 1500) both available from Aldrich Co , and Irganox B 225 (antioxidant), available from Ciba-Geigy. The weight percent formulation has the following composition and represents an alternative thermoplastic polymeric base material: 28.6% Hytrel 8171 21.4% PEG 400 48.6% PEG 1500 1.4% Irganox B 225

The thermoplastic polymeric base material has a water absorption of 96%, the value being measured according to the water absorption test described herein. The thermoplastic base material is formed into a film used in the water absorption test by melt coating of the thermoplastic base material at a temperature of 180 ° C on a release paper to obtain a film having the prescribed thickness of 200 μm. After cooling at room temperature, the film is separated from the release paper.

A superabsorbent material in particulate form sold under the trade name Aqua Keep 10SH-NF by Sumitomo Seika Chemical (Japan) is added to the thermoplastic polymeric base material in an amount corresponding to 42.9% by weight of the thermoplastic polymeric base material. while being kept at a temperature of 180 ° C, and uniformly dispersed. As another illustrative example of the present invention, the resulting liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition by weight has the following final composition: 20% Hytrel 8171 15% PEG 400 34% PEG 1500 30% Aqua Keep 10SH-NF 1% Irganox B 225

All these compositions (Examples 1 to 3) have a respective one Tensile strength in the wet state, which is at least 35% of the tensile strength the composition in the dry state, when in accordance with the herein evaluated tensile test. All these compositions (Examples 1 to 3) have respective total saline absorption capacity (0.9%) greater than 5 grams per gram, if according to the above Test is measured.

Examples for absorbent articles according to the present Invention are described below:

Example 4

A panty liner, as in 1 and 2 comprises a top layer of apertured molded polyethylene film ( 1 (Code name X-28278, available from Tredegar), a spiral adhesive layer ( 2 ) (D3151, available from Fuller), an absorbent member of a liquid distribution nonwoven material ( 3 ) (carded bico Sawabond VP40 / 01/11, available from Sandler) together with a storage layer ( 4 ) comprised of a plurality of spaced zones of a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition of Example 1 above (basis weight of 152 g / m ² ), said zones being in the form of strips of 2 mm width, a plastic underlayer of polyethylene film ( 5 ) without pigment (code 14/18020, available from RKW), adhesive for attachment to underpants ( 6 ) (HL 1461, available from Fuller) and release paper ( 7 ). The topsheet, the fluid distribution layer and the backsheet are substantially coextensive with each other and are secured together along the outside edge of the panty liner so formed by heat bonding C.

The Total absorption capacity this panty liner, as after the Dunk absorption test described herein measured, is 7 grams for synthetic urine B.

In This panty liner provides the fluid-absorbing thermoplastic composition of Example 1, in strips is configured, 75 wt .-% of the total weight of the absorbent element (i.e., fluid distribution layer and storage layer).

Example 5

A sanitary napkin comprises a top layer of apertured polymeric film (CPM RIS, code 1035025, available from Tredegar), as the fluid distribution layer a thermally bonded carded non-woven fabric of 40 g / m ² BICO (Code Sawabond 4313) from Sandler underlying the topsheet, a storage layer of Strip of the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition of Example 2 above and a polyethylene undercoat (Code RKPA) from RKW. The topsheet, the fluid distribution layer and the backsheet are substantially coextensive with each other and are secured together by heat bonding along the outside edge of the panty liner thus formed.

Example 6

A sanitary napkin as in Example 5, wherein the sanitary napkin has, in addition to the element mentioned in Example 5, a fibrous layer under the storage layer, ie between the storage layer and the lower layer, includes. This fiber layer is a spunlace nonwoven layer.

The Total absorption capacity the sanitary napkin of Examples 5 and 6 as described herein measured, for synthetic urine B is of more than 10 grams. In the sanitary napkin of Example 6, the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition of Example 2, in strips is configured, 65 wt .-% of the total weight of the absorbent element (i.e., fluid distribution layer, storage layer and fiber layer) represents.

To other examples illustrating the present invention belong for example, the panty liner of Example 4, wherein the used liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition either that of Example 2 or 3 is instead of that of Example 1 above, as well as the sanitary napkin of Example 5 or 6, wherein the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition either that of Example 1 or 3 instead of that of Example 2.

Claims (16)

An absorbent article comprising - a topsheet, - a backsheet, - and an absorbent member positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent member comprising a fluid storage layer comprising a liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition, wherein the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition has a total absorbency of at least 2 grams per gram, as measured by the test method described herein, and formed with a plurality of unpaved, spaced apart zones, characterized in that the liquid-absorbent thermoplastic composition comprises (by weight): a) from about 5% to about 99% % of a polymeric base material comprising a ') from 10% to 50% of a block copolymer, a'') from 8% to 12% of a tackifying resin; a ''') to 10% to 80% plasticizer, a'''') to 0% to 2.0% antioxidant; and b) from about 1% to about 95% of particles of water-insoluble, water-swellable absorbent material. Absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein inside of the absorption element, the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition at least 15% by weight of the total weight of the absorbent element represents. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each zone has an area of not less than 0.001 cm ² , preferably from 0.01 to 50 cm ² , more preferably from 0.5 to 20 cm ² and most preferably from 1 to 10 cm ² and most preferably covered from 2 to 5 cm ² . Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein immediately adjacent, unpaved, spaced zones with a Distance of not less than 0.1 mm, preferably from 0.5 to 10 mm, more preferably from 1 to 5 mm, and most preferably from 1.2 spaced up to 3 mm apart. An absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the zone array formed from the unattached spaced zones has a pattern size with a total surface area of not less than 1 cm ² , preferably from 1 to 200 cm ^2, and most preferably from 10 to 100 cm ² and most preferably provides from 20 to 75 cm ² . Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unpaved spaced zones regularly or irregularly in the Form are, and preferably the shape of stripes, the straight line or bent are, points, circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, diamonds, Spirals and their combination. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition has a total absorption capacity of at least 5 g / g, and more preferably at least 15 g / g, as with measured according to the test method described herein. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the total absorption capacity of the whole article at least 1 gram, preferably at least 2 to 80 grams, more preferably 4 to 40 grams, and most preferred 6 to 30 grams. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorption element the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition in the range of 20% by weight to 100% Wt .-% of the total weight of the absorbent element, more preferably from 30% to 90%, even more preferably from 45% to 85 wt .-% and most preferably from 55 wt .-% to 80 wt .-%. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage layer of the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition at about 55% to 99% by weight a polymeric base material that is a thermoplastic polymer or a mixture thereof, and from about 1% to about 95% by weight Particles of water-insoluble water swellable Absorbent material includes. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorption element comprises at least one fluid distribution layer, wherein the fluid distribution layer between the topsheet and the storage layer lies. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorption element comprises at least one fiber layer, wherein the fiber layer lies under the storage layer. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid-absorbing thermoplastic composition, which is a polyme res base material with particles of water-insoluble water swellable Absorbent material dispersed therein comprises applied is by printing or slot coating on a layer of Article, typically the underlayer or the fluid distribution layer, which is below the topsheet, if any, or the fibrous layer, which is below the storage layer, if any. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the backsheet is a breathable backsheet. Absorbent article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article a disposable sanitary absorbent article for women's protection, preferably a panty liner, sanitary napkin or adult incontinence pad, is.